Discovering which 50-cent pieces hold the value of silver is one of the most exciting parts of coin collecting. The key is knowing the specific date ranges to look for, as the U.S. Mint changed the composition of its coins over the years. You'll want to pay close attention to any half dollar dated before 1971.
The most straightforward rule is that any United States half dollar minted in 1964 or earlier is a high-content silver coin. These coins, including the 1964 Kennedy Half Dollar, the Franklin Half Dollar (1948-1963), and the Walking Liberty Half Dollar (1916-1947), are all composed of 90% silver. Finding one of these in your change is a fantastic discovery, as its intrinsic metal value is worth far more than its 50-cent face value.
The story gets a bit more nuanced after 1964. To reduce costs, the U.S. Mint changed the composition. From 1965 to 1970, Kennedy Half Dollars were made with a 40% silver clad composition. While not as valuable as their 90% silver predecessors, these "silver-clad" half dollars are still highly sought after by collectors and are worth saving.
After 1970, half dollars intended for general circulation were made from a copper-nickel alloy and contain no silver at all. So, when you're searching for that silver treasure, remember these key dates: 1964 and earlier for 90% silver, and 1965 through 1970 for 40% silver. Always check the date before you spend that half dollar
